💦 Hey AI. I'm in Palm Springs Coachella

Your weekly edition of Tuesday Newsday - AI News and Views I’m pretty confident you can use.

“I spend hundreds of hours experimenting with AI, so you don’t have to.” - SatGPT

🤔 HMM, THAT’S INTERESTING - PART 1
AI News

🍏 Apple’s Pie: Apple finally dropped Apple Intelligence—because, of course, “AI.” Classic Apple with a late arrival and stealing the show with AI that's everywhere, invisible, and making our lives better. Distribution is king. (See SOTW, cos this is really the big news)

🧞‍♂️ Open AI Money Printer: In a jaw-dropping display of financial prowess, OpenAI's annualized revenue has skyrocketed to $3.4 billion over the past six months, more than doubling from the previous period. With these numbers, it's no wonder OpenAI's valuation sits at a staggering $86 billion. Capitalism for the win!

🇬🇧 AI for PM: Meet “AI Steve,” the digital candidate running for UK parliament, promising decisions by algorithm. Get in touch if you want to back an AI candidate for Rancho Mirage City Council. Kidding not kidding.

🇺🇸 AI for Mayor: Also, an AI bot named VIC is running for mayor in Cheyenne, Wyoming. VIC promises to make decisions based on data, not human whim. Because nothing screams "political stability" like entrusting your city to an algorithm. Get in touch if you…

🧠 Brain Food: Rebind lets you tackle Joyce and Nietzsche with AI authors like Roxane Gay, making dense texts feel like a casual book club—minus the wine and cheese. This could/should make reading the classics fun again and we should offer it at our local libraries. Reach out if you need help.

🇫🇷 Mistral Le Chat - A new competitor to ChatGPT, Mistral Le Chat offers a user-friendly platform for AI-powered chat and customer engagement, which can help small businesses improve customer service and interaction​ (FlexOS)​. On the SunshineFM Watchlist as they just picked up gazillions in VC funding! 🧐

🤔 HMM, THAT’S INTERESTING - PART 2
AI Views

🍟 McDonald’s is ending its AI drive-thru test with IBM, citing inconsistent performance and customer dissatisfaction. The AI system struggled with accuracy and understanding diverse accents, leading to frequent order errors and longer wait times. It appears that the technology isn't yet capable of handling the nuances of human communication in a fast-paced environment like a drive-thru, proving once again that not everything can be automated—especially when it involves deciphering a complicated McFlurry order. For more details, check out the full article on CNBC.

🍁 In a classic case of technology stepping on cultural toes, TELUS in Canada is rolling out new ethics rules after AI-generated Indigenous art sparked a backlash. The art, which mimicked traditional styles, raised eyebrows over cultural appropriation and authenticity. TELUS’s new guidelines aim to ensure respect for Indigenous cultures and protect the integrity of their art forms. Just goes to show, even AI needs a lesson in cultural sensitivity. For more details, visit Bloomberg.

🎙️ In a move that could either revolutionize or horrify music purists, Universal Music Group has partnered with SoundLabs to create AI-generated music. This collaboration aims to enhance artists' creativity by using AI to produce new sounds and compositions. While it promises innovative possibilities, it also raises questions about the role of human creativity in music and the potential for AI to overshadow human artistry. Stay tuned to see if AI will compose the next chart-topping hit or just a robotic rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." For more details, check out the full article on Louder Sound.

Did someone say AI-Generated music? Keep scrolling for a dreamy desert song sung by none other than an AI-Generated agent in the styling of… 🤔

📚The AI Index Report 2024 from Stanford is your ultimate guide to the latest AI trends, tools, and their impact across industries, including consumer and small business realms. Think of it as the AI bible for anyone who wants to understand how our future robot overlords are shaping the world. It's packed with insights on how AI is revolutionizing everything from global tech giants to your local date shake shack. For more detailed info, check out the full report here.

🌱 And finally, in a twist fit for a tech drama, Geoffrey Hinton, the so-called "Godfather of AI," has made a comeback after quitting Google a year ago. He's now at the helm of CuspAI, a stealth startup using AI for carbon capture technology. Apparently, Hinton's not just content with reshaping AI; he's now aiming to save the planet too. Let's hope his algorithms are better at catching carbon than Google search is at suggesting pizza toppings.

For more details, check out the full article on Fortune.

STORY OF THE WEEK
Apple Unveils Apple Intelligence (AI)

🤓 TL;DR: Apple has just unveiled "Apple Intelligence," a suite of cutting-edge AI features, along with a partnership with OpenAI to bring advanced AI capabilities to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This announcement, made during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, marks a major leap in integrating AI into Apple’s ecosystem, promising to enhance user experience through both on-device and cloud-based AI functionalities.

🔎 The Details:
- Apple Intelligence Unveiled: The new "Apple Intelligence" features will be integrated into the latest operating systems for iPhones, Macs, and iPads, utilizing AI models developed by Apple.

- AI Features Overview: Key AI functionalities include managing notifications, summarizing and rewriting text across apps, generating images, transcribing phone calls, and more. Highlighted tools include Safari Highlights, Math Notes, Genmoji, Image Playground, and enhanced Siri capabilities.

- On-Device and Cloud Processing: Most AI tasks will be processed on-device for privacy, while complex operations will use Apple's Private Cloud Compute system, powered by their server chips.

- Availability: These AI features will be available for free in updated operating systems this fall, specifically on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPads and Macs with M1 and later chips.

- OpenAI Partnership: Apple's collaboration with OpenAI will integrate GPT-4o into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS, allowing users to access ChatGPT directly without a separate account. Siri will also leverage ChatGPT for answering questions, enhancing its functionality.

🧩 Why It Matters:
- Revolutionizing User Experience: The integration of "Apple Intelligence" aims to significantly enhance user experience by automating and streamlining tasks across Apple's ecosystem.

- Privacy-Centric AI: Apple's focus on on-device processing for most AI tasks underscores its commitment to user privacy, differentiating it from other tech giants.

- Enhanced Productivity: AI tools like Safari Highlights, Math Notes, and Image Playground are designed to improve productivity and user convenience, making everyday tasks more efficient.

- Future of AI Integration: This initiative marks a significant step in the broader integration of AI into consumer technology, setting a precedent for future developments in the tech industry.

🎱 Are you looking forward to having AI in all your Apple devices? Let’s talk about it.

THE CREATIVE ARTS AND AI
Who needs a recording studio?

🎵 Who needs a recording studio, session musicians, an engineer and a diva, when you’ve got AI? This song was generated by AI using stylized prompts and throwaway lyrics (yeah, by me). While I didn’t have the control I’d normally have in a recording studio, it was pretty incredible to get this voice grace my creation. It's a fascinating blend of tech and artistry—think of it as collaborating with a digital diva who never misses a note but might occasionally steal the spotlight. But what does this really mean for the music industry, musicians, IP, radio, labels, agencies, etc?

🤔 Let me know what you think, especially if you’re in the music industry (or you’re Stevie Nicks). We should talk about it.

HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood’s Latest Showdown with AI

🎬 The Last Screenwriter Controversy: 

Today, we're diving into one of the biggest stories shaking up Hollywood: the controversy surrounding the cancellation of "The Last Screenwriter." This isn't just about a movie; it's about the growing tension between technology and creativity.

What's the Story?

"The Last Screenwriter" was supposed to be a groundbreaking film, but it’s now at the center of a heated debate. With AI getting more advanced, it's starting to tread on the toes of human creativity. People are worried about losing jobs and seeing human ingenuity being overshadowed by machines.

"The Last Screenwriter" also involved allegations of script plagiarism and unethical industry practices. The film, originally touted for its innovative storytelling, faced backlash after several writers claimed their works had been used without proper credit or compensation. The situation escalated when a prominent screenwriter revealed evidence of striking similarities between their unpublished script and the film's final draft. This controversy sparked a broader conversation about intellectual property rights, the power dynamics within Hollywood, and the need for reforms to protect the creative contributions of all writers. Industry professionals called for stricter regulations and greater transparency to ensure fair treatment and recognition for screenwriters.

AI in the Film Industry

Imagine this: AI not just helping with script tweaks but churning out entire screenplays or even full movies, all tailored to what viewers want. It's not some distant future—it's happening right now. Studios are eyeing AI as a way to cut costs and streamline production, but what happens to human filmmakers in this scenario?

The fear isn't unfounded. AI-generated content is already making waves, from background music to trailer edits. But when it comes to the heart of storytelling—the script—the stakes are higher. Screenwriters worry about being replaced, and studios are tempted by the efficiency and cost savings AI promises.

The Human Touch vs. AI Efficiency

The big question is, how do we preserve the artistic flair that makes movies special when machines can do so much? The debate isn't limited to screenwriting. Scarlett Johansson recently took an AI company to task for using her voice without permission, highlighting the broader issue of performance cloning.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

Who owns the rights to an AI-generated script? How do we ensure actors are fairly compensated for digital reproductions of their performances? These are just some of the questions the industry is grappling with, and the answers are far from clear.

According to a report by PwC, the global AI market is expected to reach $190.61 billion by 2025. With such rapid growth, it's no wonder the film industry is looking to harness AI's potential. But at what cost? The Writers Guild of America is already negotiating for protections against AI encroachments in their contracts.

Looking Ahead

So, what's your take on all this? Is AI a friend or foe to creativity? I’m super interested in this topic, especially as we have so many creatives connected to Hollywood residing in our valley. Drop your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation rolling!

LOCAL
Good Citizens & AI as a Force for Good

👒 AI is great at sifting through mountains of data and delivering it with a conversational flair. That's why we’re all hooked on its ease and versatility. But let’s not forget, generative AI like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini can sometimes conjure up pure nonsense—what the pros call “hallucinations.” So, when it comes to crucial info like city council minutes and budgets, we need to be extra cautious.

🧐 I've tested countless AI tools, and while perfection is elusive, presenting essential info in an accessible format—even at 92.51% accuracy—can be worthwhile. Look for city council summaries in our upcoming newsletters.